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Occupation: While I am a paralegal by trade, most of the work I do is in the area of grassroots organizing for various issues, organizations, and campaigns. I also do occasional lobbying work with the United States Congress.

Education: Associate of Arts, College of Lake County, 2005 Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Chatham College for Women, 2008 Paralegal Certificate, Roosevelt University, 2009

Civic involvement: Over the years I have donated my time to a variety of interests and causes in the community. Most recently, I have given as much as 40 hours/week as a volunteer to various political candidates, causes, and organizations. I have given my time professionally as a paralegal, tutored at risk students, and assisted with multiple events collecting goods for women's shelters, food pantries, children, and the elderly. I have also donated my time working with the sick, the elderly, the disabled, and children with special needs through my church. In fact, I have been a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Elected offices held: Precinct Committeeman, Avon 37

Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No

Key Issue 1

Ensuring that every resident of Lake County has the opportunity to experience what I have experienced in my relationship with the College of Lake County. I saw this as a nearly life-long resident of Lake County, alumna of the College of Lake County, former tutor at the CLC's Writing Center, and wife of a part-time faculty member. The college has provided me not only with a quality education at very little expense, but with many opportunities ranging from the scholarships and benefits associated with the school's honors program, to the relationships I have had with faculty members that have inspired and encouraged me, to the wonderful array of campus resources that often provide my husband and I with an inexpensive night out to the theatre or to other events on campus.

Key Issue 2

Candidate did not respond.

Key Issue 3

CLC has been touting so called green initiatives. Is this something you support? Why or why not?

I believe that green initiatives are important to CLC, as well as anywhere. They often prove to be the most cost effective measures in the long term, provide a healthy environment internally and externally, and can be used as a means of educating the community.

With enrollment up at many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?

There is no simple answer to this question. Such issues need to be thoroughly investigated, persons consulted, options explored, costs noted, resources evaluated, and from there a plan may be created.

Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?

I believe CLC does a good job of reaching out into the community, however, I believe that given the diverse nature of Lake County with its shifting demographics, we need to always be re-evaluating this question. I don't believe any academic institution should ever sit back and rest on its laurels. We must always be striving to do the best job possible, particularly when we serve not just students, but an entire community at large.

Student credit-hours fees have been going up over the past few years. What's your position on the fee structure? Do you think other cuts should be pursued to hold the line on fees? Please elaborate.

This of course is an issue with many academic institutions, which is always difficult to solve. The question comes down to, what can we do to fill the gap? It is possible there are cuts to be made and/or it may be possible to create other streams of revenue. I believe the best solutions are often creative ones though. We should probably examine what other community colleges have successfully done to close the gap, in addition to taking a close look at all the options the college has in order to ensure the best outcome.

Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?

Currently, it is my understanding that the tax rate is kept in check by state statute, and it is also my understanding that CLC is currently well within the boundaries of those numbers. Additionally, CLC has done a relatively good job keeping their finances in good order. Thus, if a tax increase were needed, as a board member, it would be something that I carefully considered and weighed. At the same token, no one is interested in paying more taxes, including myself, so I would certainly work to look for other options if possible.